Sinn Féin MLA Liz Kimmins has said that the halting of the Cross Border Directive scheme is a blow for patients across the north as waiting lists continue to grow.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said:
“We recently learned that this scheme, which allowed patients from the North to have their operations carried out in the South, has been halted due to a lack of funding.
“This Cross Border scheme proved to be a vital resource, especially after losing access to the wider European scheme as a result of Brexit.
“Since this new scheme was set up in June 2021 it has helped over 2000 patients to access procedures sooner, and alleviated some pressure on our waiting lists.
“We are now seeing hospital emergency departments at breaking point as we face a bleak winter period.
“We need an Executive and Assembly up and running to invest an extra £1 billion in health to tackle waiting lists, hire more doctors and nurses, and invest in services.
“I once again call on the DUP to lift their cruel boycott of the Political institutions and get back round the Executive table to work with others to support workers and families suffering from the cost of living crisis and fix the health service.”
ENDS/CRÍOCH
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